The father of the young girl who was severely injured in the fire set by Kenneth Kormendy is calling Kormendy's sentence "pitiful."
Jose Rueda says his daughter Isabel was failed by the justice system when Kormendy was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Monday.
"Isabel's life sentence began two years ago as her house and sense of normalcy all burned down, whereas Mr. Kormendy will only have to serve a laughable portion of his 11-year stint before being eligible for release, his face unknown to the public, the shame and seriousness of his crimes buried under society's fleeting memory. Isabel's pain will continue long after this individual has finished paying his debt," Rueda said in a statement issued on behalf of the family.
The sentenced, reduced by time already served, equals nearly eight years. Kormendy will only have to serve a third of that before he is eligible for parole.
"A young child was savagely hurt. The 11-year term, reduced by time served sends a dangerous message to the community, that doing damage to those most vulnerable will not carry a meaningful punishment," says Rueda.
He says he will be seeking remedy for damages incurred by his daughter through the civil courts. Isabel has undergone multiple surgeries and still needs regular physical therapy.
